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RITCHIE'S PICTURE 
DEATH OF LINCOLN 







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Death of Lincoln 




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RITCHIE'S 



i 



HISTORICAL PICTURE, 



OF 



PRESIDENT LINCOLN 

ENGRAVED FROM THE 

PAINTING BY A. H. RITCHIE. 

SIZE OF ENQRAVINO 32)i BY 31K INCHES. 



Artists' Proofs, $30 00 

Proof After Letters, 20 00 



.^0FC0iV6^ 



NEW YORK : ^^^WASHm_G;^ 



PUBLISHED. BY A. H. RITCHIE & CO., 
39 PARK ROW. 



1868. 



£ 



m 



# 



A 



RITCHIE'S 
DEATH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 



The most tragical incident in the history of the United 
States occurred in the night of April 14th, 1865, when Abra- 
ham Lincoln, the Chief Magistrate of the nation, was takeii 
off by the hand of an assassin in Ford's Theatre, Washing- 
ton. Sudden as a thunderbolt the calamity fell upon the na- 
tion ; nor can the dark impress of it ever be effaced from the 
minds of those whose lot it was to witness the great national 
demonstration that followed ; the cities draped in the em- 
blems of woe ; the people standing with bowed heads for a 
while; and then, with uplifted voices, calling upon Justice 
to unravel the vile conspiracy, and bring the plotters of it 
to speedy punishment. 

The event has passed into history now, and, like other 
great historical occurrences, it has formed an inspiring theme 
for the orator, the poet, and the painter, alike. It is to 
the latter that we have here to devote our consideration, 
our purpose being to accompany with a few descriptive 
notes, Mr. A. II. Ritchie's Painting of " The Death of Pres- 
ident Lincoln." 



This event, as our readers will remember, took place in a 
small room of the house to which the dying President was 
hastily carried from the theatre. AVith a view to absolute 
historical accuracy in facts, the first care of the artist was 
to visit this room. Every article of furniture, even to the 
worn out carpet, was sketched by him on the spot, every 
circumstance of the apartment, and these have all been in- 
cluded with the strictest fidelity in the composition. The 
last moment of the dying President is at hand ; or, indeed, 
so tranquil is the expression of his pale, care-worn features, 
that he may already have passed fi'om life into eternity. 
Bending over the pillow. Assistant Surgeon General Crane, 
watch in hand, times the ebbing pulsations of the dying 
man. Close by the bed-side sits Surgeon General Barnes, his 
strongly-marked profile wearing an expression of breathless 
and intense watchfulness. Seated on the foot of the bed, is 
Dr. Stone, concentrated, anxious, and with deep concern im- 
pressed upon his thoughtful face. Nearer in the foreground, 
and to the extreme left of the composition, sits Attorney 
General Speed. Grouped around the foot of the bed, a lit- 
tle further off, we see the Hon. Mr. Colfax, Mr. Field, 
Generals Meigs, Auger, the Hon. Mr. McCulloch, Secretary 
of the Interior, Usher, and Ex-Governor Farwell, of Wiscon- 
sin. To the right of the composition, the nearest figure is 
the patriarchal one of the Hon. Gideon Welles. Standing 
behind him, is the burly form of Secretary of War, Stan- 
ton, characterized by energy and decision ; and immediately 
in front of him sits the President's private Secretary, Mr. 
John Hay. Robert Lincoln, the eldest son of his murdered 
father, bows his head in deep grief over the pillow ; from 
behind the head of bed, and just beyond him is seen the 
Hon. Charles Sumner, and behind hira Dr. Leale. Further 
1o the right are seen Postmaster General Dennison, Judge 
Cartter, and General Halleck ; and grouped behind these are 
Assistant Secretary of the Interior, Ot'o, Rufus Andrews, 
General Todd, Governor Oglesby, General Farnsworth, and 



Pey. Dr. Gurley. These are the persoaages wlio were actu- 
ally gathered around the couch of the dying President, and 
the artist has placed them as nearly as possible in the re- 
spective positions occupied by them on the occasion. Indeed, 
the fidelity with v/hich he hai arranged the scene - is tes- 
tified to in letters written to him by several of the leading- 
actors in it, among which we will particularly meution a 
highly interesting one from Dr. Stoue, to be found among 
the annexed extracts. 

It will be observed that Mr. Ritchie has cleverly evaded 
the difficulty common to portrait-pieces in which a number 
of faces have to be arranged with a view to recognition. 
There is much variety of pose throughout the composition, 
nor is there to bi seen any where in it the unpleasiug form- 
ality that so often repeats the horizout'il line of the frame 
with a parallel line of heads. The gray light of morning is 
well expressed by the subdued tone of color that prevails, 
and in this, too, there is aa aid to the solemn feeling and 
pathos that cannot fail to impress all who look upon the 
scene. Concentration is a striking point of this picture. Every 
mind is absorbed by one idea, and we read it on every face. 
So far as accuracy in the portraiture is concerned, an opinion 
may be formed by our readers from the annexed letter; and 
to the fidelity with which some, at least, of the personages 
figuring in the groups are characterized, the writer of these 
lines can himself testify. 

The sul)ject selected by Mr. Ritchie for his pencil is one 
of such deep national interest, that much and various criticism 
will undoubtedly be devoted to the manner in which he has 
treated it ; but the candid critic will undoubtedly admit not 
only the remarkable power of the picture for the striking 
character and individuality of the portraits, but also its value 
as a record of the passing history of the nation. 



TESTtWONtAUS. 



[ FROM DR. STONE.] 

Washington, D. C, May 4th, 1867. 

My Dear Sir : 

I had the honor to be the family physician, during his resi- 
dence here, of the murdered President, and no one was mere 
familiarly acquainted with his features and their varied changes, 
or the noble traits he so often developed — not displayed — to the 
world. AVith one of the most difficult subjects which can occupy 
an artist's pencil — the finale of an awful crime, which shocked 
the whole nation — few could have treated the subject with more 
real feeling and pathos, more accuracy and success. When for 
the first time I saw your splendid picture, I was carried instant- 
ly back to that most awful night, spent by the death bed of the 
noble-hearted, most forgiving President and beloved friend. 

Most wonderfully have you represented the face and form, 
of the murdered Chief Magistrate, when, as daylight broke in 
upon us, his great soul passed away. In art and truth, it is a 
perfect success ; and those who knew what attributes had dwelt 
in the dead man at once recognized their impress in the now 
cold features. The great leaders of the nation, who hopelessly 
surrounded his dying couch, can at once be recognized by the 
minuteness of their portraiture. Familiar as were the faces of 
all to me, I can safely say that their portraits are perfect. The 



locality and accessories of the painful scene are most accurately 
r. presented, and instantly transport the witness to the death 
bed. 

As you so faithfully and historically represent — the awful 
night had passed — the light of day came stealing in upon the vic- 
tim and the distinguished men who so long had watched the 
failing breath. There were statesmen who had accepted the 
direful fact, with swollen eyes, looking, not all upon the dead, but 
into that dark cloud which this awful crime had brought over 
and near a suffering nation. Great soldiers, devoted friends, 
feeling the awful weight of the crime and its certain results, 
thought of the good man so ruthlessly cut off, just when Lis 
great heart was swelling with joy, that his earnest hope, for 
painful years, had been realized — that this would soon be, as 
before, but one nation. 

But this is no theme for a professional pen. I can only testify 
to the minute faithfulness and feeling of the picture — the pa- 
thos of which is unsurpassed — and most sincerely congratulate 
you on your fidelity to truth, as an historical painter, and your 
perfect success. 

Very truly yours, 

ROBT. KING STONE, M. D. 



[FROM REV. DR. GURLEY.] 

Washington, D. C, March 12, 1867. 

Ritchie's painting of the death bed of President Lincoln, now 
on exhibition at the Capitol, seems to me to be a work of sur- 
passing merit. I have looked at it again and again, and each re- 
peated examination has deepened my impression of its accuracy 
and value. 



I stood by that deatli bed for more than three hours, and saw 
the ilhistrious martyr breathe his last, and it is enough for me to 
say of Ritchie's paint'ng, that, as I gaze upon it, it renews to my 
eya and heart with surprising vivid!ies3, the scenes and inipre-:- 
sions of that sadly memorable moiniiig-. 

Yours tru'y, 

P. D. GURLEY, 

Pastor of the New Y''ork Aveur.e Presbyterian Churc'.i. 



[ FKOM TIIK SECKETAIJY OF THE TKEASl'RY.] 

Treasury Dspartmi;et, Apsii. 4, 1SG7. 

I have examined v/ith great interest Mr. Ritchie's painling of 
the death bed of Ltncoln. 

It is, in my opinion, a very faithfid representation of that mourn- 
ful scene. 

The portraits are life-like, the grouping is rrtistic, and the p"er- 
spcctive exceHent. 

As a work of ar:, it possesses great rjerlts, i;nd must add 
largely to the already high reputation of the artist, Mr. Ritchie. 

I am, very tiuly, yours, 

HUGH McCULLOCH. 



f FR05I TIIK SECRETAKY OK THE XAVY. ] 

Washington, April 5, 1867. 
I have examined with interest the p:,iutin^'' cf the De;\th of 
President Lincoln by Ritchie. 

It is artistic and strikingly imprjssive of the scene ou that 
memorable and snd occi;sion. 

The likenesses are generally correct, end the apartment and 
grouping also. 

GIDEON WELLES. 



9 

[ FROM SVRGEOX GE.VERAL DAEyES.] 

Washington, March 9, 1867. 
I take pleasure in expressing the opinion that your picture of 
the Death of President Lincoln presents faithfully that sad event. 
The likenesses are coiTect ; some of them remarkably so, and 
the general peculiarities of each spectator well preserved. 
Very Respectfully, 

J. K. BARKER, 
Surgeon General U. S. A. 



[from the u. 8. quartermaster general.] 

Washington, March 25, 1861. 
Your painting of the Death of President Lincoln truthfully 
re2)resents this sad event in our history. 

The portraits are life-like, the grouping is natural and graceful, 
and the coloring is agreeable. 

You have, I think, been very successful in grappling with the 
difficulties of the subject. 

I hope that the engi-aving may have a place in thousands of 
American homes. 

I am, very truly and respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 
C. MEIGS, 

Q. M. Gen'l U. S. A. 



[from ^isastant surgeon general crane.] 

Washington, March 12, 1867. 
It gives one plea3'.ire to congratulate you on the success of 
your picture of the death-bed scene of Pres'dent Lincoln, and 
the fidelity with which you have transferred to canvr.ss the por- 
traits of those who were persent on that most sad occasion. 
I am, sir, very truly yours, 

C. H. CRANE, 
Asst. Surg. Gen'l U. S Army. 



10 

[ FROM ASSISTANT SECRETARY OTTO.] 

Washington, D. C, April 1, 1867. 

I have examined Ritchie's Death of President Lincoln. The 
painting rej^resents very faithfully the closing scenes in the life of 
the late President. 

The portraits of many of the persons present are remarkably 

accurate. 

Very Respectfullv, 

W. T. OTTO. 



(FROM EX-GOVERXOR FARWELL.) 

Washington, March 13, 1867. 
In your representation of the death-bed of Lincoln, you have, 
succeeded in reproducing that scene so truthfidly and artistically, 
that all who love and revere the memory of our martyred Presi- 
dent, will prize it, not merely for the present, but as a valuaUe 
heritage for future generations. 

Yours, truly, 

L. J. FARWELL. 



[from RErRESE.VTATlVE FARXSWORTH.] 

House of Representatives, \ 

Washington, March 18, 1867. j 

Your painting of the Death of Previ.lent Lincoln, I believe, ia 
jastjy piaised and CDnsidered very accurate by all who witnessed 
that awful y impressive fcfne. 

You have placed upon the canvass most vividly that room with 
its dying martyr and silent spectators. 

The positions are remarkably accurate, and the likeuessos 
excellent. 

Very Respectfully, 

J. F. FARNS WORTH. 



11 

(FRCM JIDGE CAKTTER.) 

Washington, Aprii. 2, 1867. 

I have examine;! your painting of the Death of President 
Lincoln. 

I am not a critic of the art, and therefore refrain from any 
other remark than that it pleases my unschooled taste. 

As ci v/itness of the scene it describes, I am enabled to pro- 
nounce it faithful in its life and death-like truthfulness. 

Respectfully, yours, etc., 

D. K. CARTTER, 

Chief Justice. 



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